For one it is very difficult for a father to win a custody case over a mother even when he is perfect, which it sounds like he is not. So although he can certainly try to go to court to get custody, his chances of winning are probably very slim given his history.
As for not wanting to expose the baby to the other person that sounds like she wants to change the court order that gives him some rights. She can't just decide she wants to do this because of the court order so she must go back to court or at least some form of mediation to get this done. Her best bet is to speak with a lawyer to see what her rights are and what is involved.


